Analysis of Fracture of Composites Loaded Along Cracks

The results of studying the problems on the fracture of composites containing interacting cracks under the action of forces directed along the cracks are reported. Given are the descriptions of two non-classical failure mechanisms - the fracture of compressed bodies under the action of forces directed in parallel to the planes containing cracks and the fracture of composites with residual stress acting along cracks. We use a combined approach to investigate the abovementioned fracture mechanisms within the framework of linearized solid mechanics. Spatial problems on composites that contain interacting circular cracks are considered. Problems on an infinite body containing two parallel co-axial cracks and on a space with the periodical set of co-axial parallel cracks as well as those on a half-space with subsurface crack are solved. Several patterns of loading on the crack faces (normal loading, radial shear and torsion) are considered. The effects of residual stresses on stress intensity factors are analyzed for some types of composite materials. Critical fracture parameters for composites with interacting cracks compressed along the cracks are calculated using the approach mentioned. The effect of geometrical parameters of the problems as well as physical and mechanical properties of materials on these critical parameters is analyzed.